Spicy Turkey Lettuce Wraps

This is a fantastic easy, quick, and cheap meal. If you do not already have these spices, it is definitly worth making the purchase. Spices such as cayene, paprika, and ginger are great for Asian inspired meals or adding heat to any dish.

Serves 2-4 [Depends on your hunger level]

• 1 package instant brown rice
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 large red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce*
• 2 heads Boston lettuce, leaves separated

Optional:

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, mint and/or chives
• 1 large carrot, shredded

Directions:

Heat the rice in the microwave according to the package’s instructions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon for 5 minutes. Add the bell pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the turkey is cooked through. Add the hoisin sauce, and chicken broth; cook for another minute. Add the rice and cook for another minute or so until it is all well combined. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, five-spice powder and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

To serve, spoon portions of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves. If you would like to add the herbs and carrot add them on top of the turkey mixture to add flavor and a crunch.

*Hoisin sauce is a spicy, sweet sauce made from soybeans, chiles, garlic and spices. It will keep in the refrigerator for at least a year.